Speculative Fiction as a Catalyst for Thematic Investing in AI and Immersive Media

The rise of thematic investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive media has been inextricably linked to the cultural momentum of speculative fiction. As investors seek to capitalize on transformative technologies, narratives that explore existential, ethical, and metaphysical dimensions of AI and human experience are shaping market strategies. Amie Barrodale’s debut novel Trip—a story of a mother navigating the Buddhist concept of the Bardo to save her neurodivergent son—exemplifies how speculative fiction bridges artistic expression and investment logic. By dissecting the novel’s themes and their alignment with broader trends, we uncover how speculative storytelling is not only reflecting but actively influencing the future of tech-driven markets.

The Bardo as a Metaphor for Immersive Media

Barrodale’s Trip centers on Sandra, a mother who dies in Nepal and enters the Bardo, a transitional state between life and death in Tibetan Buddhism. Her journey through this surreal, liminal space mirrors the immersive experiences enabled by AI and mixed reality, where users traverse virtual environments that challenge conventional notions of time and identity [2]. The novel’s exploration of the Bardo resonates with the growing consumer appetite for immersive media, such as virtual influencers and AI-generated worlds, which investors are now packaging into speculative ETFs [5]. For instance, platforms like Runway AI and Cinelytic leverage generative AI to create visually compelling content, echoing the novel’s blending of the metaphysical and the material [5].

Neurodivergence and Ethical AI Design

Trip also delves into the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child, a theme that intersects with emerging debates about AI ethics. The novel’s portrayal of Trip, a neurodivergent protagonist navigating the world alone, highlights the need for inclusive design frameworks in AI development. Investors are increasingly prioritizing ethical AI initiatives that address cognitive diversity, recognizing that neurodivergent perspectives can enhance human-AI collaboration in education and creative industries [4]. This aligns with Barrodale’s own engagement with Buddhist teachings, which emphasize interconnectedness and adaptability—principles now informing AI models designed to accommodate diverse user needs [2].

Thematic Investing: From Fiction to Financial Strategy

The cultural resonance of speculative fiction is evident in thematic investment strategies that target AI-driven sectors. For example, iShares and BlackRock have launched ETFs focused on AI infrastructure and immersive media, capitalizing on the same existential and technological questions explored in works like Trip [1]. These strategies reflect a broader shift toward investing in “hope punk” narratives—stories that envision cooperative, sustainable futures—rather than dystopian scenarios [4]. Barrodale’s novel, with its mix of humor, existential reflection, and Buddhist philosophy, embodies this ethos, offering a blueprint for how speculative fiction can guide investors toward opportunities that balance innovation with human-centric values [3].

Conclusion: The Future of Thematic Investing

As AI and immersive media continue to redefine industries, speculative fiction will remain a critical lens for investors. Works like Trip not only reflect societal anxieties and aspirations but also provide narrative frameworks for understanding the ethical and experiential dimensions of emerging technologies. By aligning with these stories, investors can anticipate market shifts and position themselves at the intersection of culture and innovation. The Bardo, after all, is not just a spiritual limbo—it is a metaphor for the transformative journeys that define both fiction and finance in the AI era.

Source:
[1] Thematic Investing 2025: AI and Geopolitical Trends [https://www.ishares.com/us/insights/thematic-investing-mid-year-outlook-2025]
[2] In the Bardo: An Interview with Amie Barrodale [https://www.lionsroar.com/in-the-bardo-an-interview-with-amie-barrodale/]
[3] Trip: A Novel by Amie Barrodale - Book Review [https://www.northshire.com/blog/nicole-ihasz/trip-novel-amie-barrodale-book-review]
[4] Embracing the Irreplaceable: The Role of Neurodiversity in Cultivating Human-AI Symbiosis in Education [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381165654_Embracing_the_Irreplaceable_The_Role_of_Neurodiversity_in_Cultivating_Human-AI_Symbiosis_in_Education]
[5] AI in Creative Industries: Enhancing, rather than replacing [https://www.alixpartners.com/insights/102jsme/ai-in-creative-industries-enhancing-rather-than-replacing-human-creativity-in/]